Myrna stood next to her still-in-one-piece car, which had reached Des Moines a full hour before the buses. Brian stood before her, plucking absently at a button on her blouse. She stared over his shoulder, finding it difficult to look at him. Every time she did, her heart constricted with anguish.
She hated good-byes. Especially permanent ones.
She slid a hand into her suit pocket and fingered her business card in indecision. She knew continuing this was a mistake. It would just lead to heartache for both of them. They'd both suffered enough in the past, she decided. She pulled her empty hand from her pocket. No strings. For the best.
They started to speak at the same time. "I—"
"We—"
They laughed. Their eyes met. Brian drew her into his arms and kissed her deeply, his embrace tight. Her throat was also tight. Don't cry, Myrna. Wait until…
She pulled away. "I had a great time with you." She hoped she sounded impersonal, not emotional.
"This doesn't have to be the end."
She ducked her head and swallowed her tears. "Yeah. It does."
"Myrna…"
She kissed his cheek and turned to open the car door. Locked. She struggled with the handle for a moment before realizing the keys were in her hand. Brian stepped closer and took her shoulders in his hands.
"Myrna…"
She unlocked the door with trembling fingers. Don't cry. Don't cry.
She got the door open, but Brian didn't step away. He hugged her from behind, his arms circling her waist, his chin resting on her shoulder. "Stay," he whispered. "Please."
"I can't."
"Then tell me when I can see you again."
She shook her head vigorously. "Good-bye, Brian."
She pulled away from him and climbed into the car. Its familiarity comforted her. She closed the door and started the engine, forcing herself not to look up at him outside her window. She drove off, making sure her face was out of sight before she let the tears fall in hot trails down her face. From her rearview mirror, she glimpsed Brian, hands crammed into the front pockets of his jeans as he stared down at his feet. He took a deep breath, glanced up at her retreating car, and then returned to the tour bus alone.